December 2012

Wellness Tip

They are tart, but delicious. You will be seeing many more of them in the coming weeks on your plate, in a drink or as a decoration. They are cranberries. These berries contain numerous chemical substances that may offer protection from numerous health aliments. They are effective in helping ward off tooth decay, urinary tract infection, inflammatory diseases and ulcers. They are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, ß-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin, and foliate and minerals like potassium, and manganese. For the heart, research has proven these berries can be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease by counteracting against cholesterol plaque formation in the heart and
blood vessels which helps the human body lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL-good cholesterol levels in the blood. For one little berry their nutrients pack a lot of punch. Don’t pass on the cranberry sauce or the cranberry shortbread cookies, you will benefit from their goodness!

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Please take note of these important changes to your Group Benefit Plan:

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2013

Update on the Federal Budget:

Employer contributions to group accident and sickness and accident insurance plans become taxable benefits to employees.

As per the Federal Budget released in March 2012, and the Notice of Ways & Means motion on October 15, 2012,

employer contributions to group accident and sickness insurance plans will be a taxable benefit to employees beginning January 1, 2013.

What does this legislation mean?

Contributions paid by employers after March 28, 2012 for group accident and sickness insurance coverage in place on or after January 1, 2013 will be a taxable benefit to employees. According to the Explanatory Notes related to the Notice of Ways & Means, employer contributions paid towards wage loss replacement plans, such as a short-term and long-term disability plans are not impacts by this proposed legislation change.

For detailed information on how to apply these necessary changes within your business, contact your MC&A Group Benefits Advisor directly. These modifications will be in place by January 1, 2013.

High-Tech Stress Management

December 2012

We all have stress in our lives – looming deadlines, squabbles with friends and family, or demands of life in general. Fortunately, de-stressing can be as easy as a touch of a screen or a click of a button. Read on to learn how your favourite digital device can be a convenient and quick anti-stress elixir.

Online games for stress relief

You may think online games are child’s play, but you’d be surprised at how many free online gaming options are available that can help you manage your stress level. By concentrating on the game, you change your mind’s ‘channel’ and relax as you focus away from the source of stress. Just playing one online game that requires your full attention for a few minutes can immediately reduce your stress level! Be aware, however, that some online games can be habit forming. So stick with non-addictive games that focus on simple tasks, such as:

• Stress Relief Paintball

• Solitaire

• Sudoku

Perhaps you’ve never considered your family’s gaming system as a stress reliever, but many systems offer programs that engage the mind and body, helping to reduce stress. By strapping on a controller, or standing on a board, you are transported into the game, so to speak. It’s not only fun, but it’s also a workout – one of the best ways to combat stress.

Online support groups and stress management programs

Not the type to join an in-person support group, but feel that you could benefit from sharing with those who have faced similar issues? Then an online support group may be for you. With a click of your mouse, you can find countless groups online that are working through personal struggles and learning new coping mechanisms. Even if you choose not to participate, just reading other people’s stories can help to reduce your stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of joining an online support group include:

• Feeling less lonely or judged

• Reducing distress, depression or anxiety

• Improving your coping skills

While an online support group can help you manage your stress, it shouldn’t replace standard medical care.

Online programs provide convenience, privacy and a more structured digital experience. For example, Shepell·fgi’s Online Stress Management Program begins with a detailed stress assessment that captures and highlights your most significant sources of stress. From there, you can take advantage of expert articles, interactive action planning and goal setting; all designed to help you make positive changes through proven clinical stress management techniques.

Reducing stress through social media

Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and hundreds of other sites have been designed to help us reach out to a broad audience very easily. Whether you’re a frequent poster, a reluctant participant or just a browser, you can put social media to work for you and help you reduce your stress level.

YouTube is the world’s most popular video-sharing website, where you can upload, share and view videos.

By spending a few minutes surfing the site, you’re bound to find videos that can elevate your mood and reduce your stress level. For example, you can:

• Play fun, upbeat music videos from your teenage years and enjoy the trip down memory lane

• Teach yourself how to dance – it’s great for your physical and mental health

• Learn about new hobbies through instructional videos – such as how to meditate or how to paint

Pinterest is a free virtual corkboard that allows you to ‘pin’ and share interesting or inspiring things you find on the web. You can also browse other people’s boards, which is particularly fun when you discover those who share your interests. Pinterest can also help you set goals and manage stress; for example, when scrapbooking meets journaling combined with your favourite magazines online.

Relieving stress with apps

Many people are starting to discover the wide array of applications (apps) for your mobile device specifically designed to keep your stress levels under control – whether it’s through doodles, serene scenes and sounds, better organization or health and wellness information.

The “perfect app” for you will depend on your personality, preferences and stress sources. But if you realize it’s your mobile device that is a major source of stress in your life, then give yourself permission to turn it off, disconnect and tune in to the world around you instead.

Low-Tech Stress Management

Tapping into your techie side to reduce stress is all about having fun, refocusing your thoughts and relaxing with enjoyable activities that suit your personality. But if you prefer to fight stress the “old fashioned” way, here are five fundamental stress-busting tips that can help:

• Relax. Learn relaxation techniques for immediate as well as longer-term stress reduction. Meditation can also help settle the mind so you can think calmly throughout the day. It puts you in control of your thoughts by forcing you to be present in the moment and observe your thought processes.

• Spend time with friends, family and pets. Share your thoughts and feelings, seek support and give support. Reciprocal, respectful and nurturing relationships are essential to good mental health. Further, pets can be a source of unconditional love that ask for little and give so much back.

• Write. Keep a diary or journal, and record your thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to show anyone. The act of writing often gives us a new perspective on situations, others and ourselves.

• Remain positive. Negative self-talk, over-generalizing and perfectionism aren’t good practices to keep. Learn “cognitive reframing” techniques and become a positive thinker. Be gentle with yourself and others. You’re only human and you’re doing the best you can.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can’t do everything yourself, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, talk about it with a trusted friend, family member or counsellor.

Stressing the Numbers

• In 2010, Statistic Canada found that nearly 24 per cent of Canadians aged 15 or older reported most days were extremely or quite stressful, up from 22 per cent in 2008

• Daily stress rates in Canada are the highest among the core working ages of 35 to 54

• In 2011, 6.5 million Canadians owned a smart phone

• 51 per cent of people surveyed said they check their phones continuously on vacation